"Sorry for being me, I don't know how to be anyone else" - Spike Milligan

Saturday, 19 November 2011

Cambridge cameo

I'd always thought of Cambridge as a rather glitzy, glamorous town, full of witty intellectuals oozing pithy insights into the vicissitudes of life. But the reality is more humdrum.

I went there on Thursday with my 89 year old mum (she and my sister Heather live 15 miles north in St Ives). We traipsed around the town centre doing our best to soak up the unique atmosphere, but actually it wasn't that unique.

But it wasn't glamorous, in fact it was all a bit shabby and tired-looking. Here and there I saw hideous sixties-style buildings slotted in among the older architecture. On every railing there were scruffy leaflets and posters which suggested impulsive mess rather than creative ferment. The passers-by looked more weary and preoccupied than fizzing with groundbreaking ideas.

The only noticeable glamour came from something quite jarring and anomalous - a swish shopping centre nestling in the heart of the academic enclave, complete with a massive John Lewis and all the other over-familiar High Street chains. How it got planning permission I can't imagine. The prospect of a hefty rates income for the council, presumably.

The only other touch of glamour was an unexpected exhibition of Bridget Riley's abstract paintings at one of the art galleries. I love her work so I was chuffed to come across the gallery.

But I could think of dozens of towns and cities with more charisma than Cambridge. Like Liverpool, which I visited in July. Or Edinburgh. Or York. Or Belfast. There may be lots of exciting things going on in the lecture theatres and seminar rooms, but there wasn't much sign of them on the public streets. I guess you have to be a Cambridge insider to have your finger on the creative pulse. So I doubt if I'll be going back any time soon.

And how are my mum and sister*, you might be wondering. Both rather frail but still enjoying life as much as they can. I hadn't met up with my sister for many years, so that was a great reunion. Luckily she's not on her own but has her husband Mike to support her. I think one day at a time is the motto.

27 comments:

Think there's probably a town and gown situation. But There doesn't seem to be much going on in the town itself though the fitzwilliam is interesting. And I believe Ely is reasonably lively.

As for the modern development, it gets me down to find the same old same old ...although I have recently discovered that without some big name stores a shopping centre can be awfully dull. I thunk Norwich has got the mix right although I suppose it's a lot bigger.

Well, nevermind, at least you caught up with your family.Sometimes you have to visit a town or city several times before you catch the vine. I thought Exeter was peculiar on my first visit, but now I love it - it's a good mix of old and new.I like Tavistock... love the buildings.. it kind of presses all my buttons... whereas Totnes tries too hard to seduce Eco-middle Englanders. But this is just my impression.Sx

Lovely you had a family meet-up, Nick, especially with the frails.Your mum is living to a ripe old and your sister is mobile?My dad was a huge fan of Cambridge, he was a G-man so managed to hook up with other Gs in the town and they must have had riveting municipal convos. It put me right off, it did. So never visited.XOWWW

Ive never been to Cambridge so you're one up on me. Although it is disappointing when planning doesn't 'fit' the older environs, it wouldn't be hard to plan with complementary facades now would it? Glad you caught up with family, I'll bet they were delighted to see you.

Both Oxford and Cambridge were on my list of priorities when I visited the UK, the first time more than two decades ago. I found the seediness and the decrepitude fascinating and well keeping with the atmosphere and character of University towns. Things surely have changed since then.

Blackwater - True, there are lots of exciting things going on in Belfast. The huge new Metropolitan Arts Centre is due to open early next year. The new museum, Titanic Belfast, will also open in 2012. And of course Belfast hosted the MTV Awards very recently.

About Me

I've known my partner Jenny for over 35 years. Currently working for a voluntary organisation, I was previously a journalist, bookseller and charity worker. I enjoy the company of my partner and friends but I'm not a wild socialiser. I love walking in the country and just quietly reflecting on life. Disillusioned with living in London, Jenny and I moved to Belfast in 2000. We're still in Belfast and we think it's a fabulous city.